Ironbridge festival off to splashing start with return of Severn Coracle Regatta
Ironbridge's heritage festival got off to a splashing start with the return of the Coracle Regatta.
The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival is taking place over three weeks until Sunday, September 17.
The celebration of the heritage of the gorge kicked off on Bank Holiday Monday with the return of the Coracle Regatta and Coronation Coracle Drift.
Run on and off since 1881, the regatta sees dozens of adventurous paddlers take to the River Severn in the small bowl-shaped boats.
Coracles have been in use in the gorge for at least 350 years, being used for tasks including ferrying, fishing and even poaching.
